Palmetto Bluff Introduces 173-Acre Equestrian Facility

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Palmetto Bluff, a 20,000 acre recreation and residential development near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has introduced a 5-star level equestrian facility for use by guests at the 5-star Inn at Palmetto Bluff as well as residents of the area. Having this type of equestrian facility is rare for resort properties.

This is perhaps the first facility of its kind where an equestrian facility like this is located on the same property as a five-star resort

acre equestrian facility that will be available at the 20,000 acre residential and recreation community and for guests at the 5-star Inn at Palmetto Bluff.

The equestrian facility includes a covered riding arena; an Olympic size outdoor dressage arena; a five-acre turf event field for schooling horses and special event equestrian activities as well as an oversized 24-stall main barn and 14-stall receiving barn. Other special features are a John Williams designed cross-country course, a turf riding and driving field, a dressage ring and an extensive trail system. Williams is one of America's leading planners of cross country courses for riders.

Melissa Vanacore, director of equestrian facilities, said, "Longfield Stables is not only stunning, but more importantly allows for proper horse husbandry." She said extraordinary measures have been taken to promote the health of Longfield's pastures and paddocks by setting aside the proper amount of acreage and establishing a maintenance program to promote high-quality grasses for the horses to enjoy in a natural setting.

Vanacore noted that in addition to offering monthly board and care services, Longfield Stables will also be offer temporary stabling for guests staying at the Inn. "This is perhaps the first facility of its kind where an equestrian facility like this is located on the same property as a five-star resort," she said.

According to Vanacore the riding surfaces are diverse and allow for training in multiple equestrian disciplines from beginner through the higher levels. In addition to the large covered arena that allows for riding in all weather conditions, the outdoor riding spaces allow for cross-training of horses to obtain optimum fitness levels.

Jim Mozley, president of Palmetto Bluff, said that when originally designing Palmetto Bluff the land planners realized it offered an ideal setting which would appeal to avid equestriennes. "The combination of the wide flat pastures bordered by our ancient maritime forest seemed perfect for this kind of world class facility," he said.

Bill Peacher, general manager and president of the real estate division, said a 240-acre equestrian neighborhood will adjoin Longfield Stables and feature properties for sale ranging in size from three to 15 acres.

The equestrian neighborhood, called Longfield Farms, will feature expansive views of Longfield Stables' cross-country equestrian area and freshwater lakes said Peacher noting that four-board black fencing will frame each homesite. He said the larger properties allow for private barns and pastures with some bordering the protected Managed Forest.

Now in its fifth year of development, Palmetto Bluff encompasses approximately 20,000 acres and is surrounded on three sides by rivers. Among its first amenities are an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course (May River Golf Club), a croquet and racquet club featuring eight Har-Tru tennis courts; miles of stunning walking trails and acres of preserved land plus a private Canoe Club.

Located 15 miles west of Hilton Head Island, SC and 20 miles northeast of Savannah, GA, the community is home to the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, an Auberge Resort. It is the only East Coast property among Auberge Resorts. For more information or to make a stall reservation at Longfield Stables at Palmetto Bluff, visit http://www.palmetto-bluff.com or call (843) 706-9559. To reach the Inn at Palmetto Bluff call 706-6500 or visit the website http://www.palmettobluffresort.com.

Palmetto Bluff is a residential and recreational community surrounded on three sides by water and characterized by extensive nature preserves and a vibrant village center. Crescent Resources, LLC, the owner of Palmetto Bluff, is a land management and real estate development company headquartered in Charlotte. The company is a joint venture between Duke Energy, Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund (MSREF) and the company's management.